Erik Whitehill (b. 1974) grew up in Iowa and earned his music education degree from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa.  He has taught general music and choir in Tempe Elementary School District for nearly two decades, also currently serving as district chairperson for general music and elementary choir. Erik has a passion for helping children grow into well-rounded good humans through musical development. His teaching is noted for including newly composed music, both for choirs and for musical theater.

Erik is Orff certified and is a member of the Arizona Orff chapter, where he has served on the board and been a featured presenter. He is also involved with the National Association for Music Education (NAfME), having also been a presenter for Arizona Music Educators Association and presently serving on the Southwest Regional Council. Erik was the recipient of the Arizona State University Outstanding Mentor Teacher Award (2012), Tempe Elementary School District “Excellence Begins with Me” Award (2015), and Tempe Elementary Excellence Award (2021).

NAfME Virtual Symposium on Music Education and Students with Disabilities and/or Living in Poverty. Saturday, October 10, 2026. A free, virtual event for music educators
Keynote speaker Pedro Antonio Noguera. 2026 Biennial NAfME Music Research and Teacher Education Conference. Long Beach, California. Register today bit.ly/2026MRTE
Advance your music education career. Add your profile to the NAfME Career Center today. Image of choir and director.